Terms and Conditions

1 Definitions

Throughout these Terms, key terms carry specific meanings:

• "Platform" refers to the TutorLink website, mobile application, and all related services operated by TutorLink UAE.
• "Teacher" refers to any verified tutor listed on the Platform as an independent service provider.
• "Student" refers to any registered learner using the Platform to find tutoring services.
• "Parent/Guardian" refers to any adult registering on behalf of a minor Student.
• "Session" refers to any tutoring session arranged through or listed on the Platform.
• "Platform Channels" refers to all in-app messaging, communication, and booking tools provided within TutorLink.
• "Off-Platform Communication" refers to any exchange of contact details — including WhatsApp numbers, personal phone numbers, or personal email addresses — outside Platform Channels.

2 Eligibility & Registration

General Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age to register as a Teacher or as a Student in your own right.
• Students under 18 must be registered by a Parent/Guardian who accepts these Terms on their behalf.
• All users must provide truthful, accurate, and current information during registration.
• TutorLink reserves the right to refuse or cancel any registration without providing a reason.

Teacher Eligibility

• Teachers must submit valid identity documentation (Emirates ID or passport) for verification.
• Teachers must hold relevant qualifications or demonstrated expertise in listed subjects.
• Teachers must not be legally disqualified from working with minors under UAE law.
• Profile approval does not constitute an employment relationship — Teachers are independent service providers.

Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials. Notify TutorLink immediately at info@tutorlink.ae if you suspect unauthorised access to your account.

3 Teacher Obligations & Code of Conduct

Professional Standards

• Teachers must conduct all Sessions professionally, punctually, and with due preparation.
• Teachers must not discriminate against Students on the basis of nationality, religion, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic under UAE law.
• Teachers must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Teachers must not record any Session without prior written consent of the Student or their Parent/Guardian.
• Teachers must promptly report any safeguarding concern to info@tutorlink.ae.

Subject & Qualification Accuracy

• Teachers must only list subjects in which they hold genuine competence.
• Misrepresentation of qualifications or experience is grounds for immediate suspension and possible legal action.

Profile & Pricing Transparency

• Teachers must display accurate and up-to-date information on their profile, including subjects, qualifications, availability, and location.
• Teachers must communicate their session rates clearly to Students or Parents/Guardians before any Session is agreed.

4 Communication Policy — Platform-Only Rule

Prohibited Off-Platform Communication

The following acts are expressly prohibited and constitute a breach of these Terms:

• A Teacher sharing their personal WhatsApp number, phone number, or personal email address with a Student or Parent/Guardian via any means — whether through in-app chat, during a Session, verbally, or via a third-party platform.
• A Teacher requesting, soliciting, or otherwise seeking a Student's personal WhatsApp number, phone number, or personal email address for any purpose.
• A Teacher using a Student's personal contact details — obtained during or outside a Session — to communicate outside the Platform.
• A Teacher instructing a Student or Parent/Guardian to contact them directly outside the Platform as a condition of receiving tutoring services.
• A Teacher sharing links to external group chats (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) with the intent of moving communication off-Platform.
• A Student or Parent/Guardian pressuring or incentivising a Teacher to share personal contact details.

Why This Rule Exists

• To protect minor Students from unsupervised, unmonitored direct contact with adults.
• To maintain a secure, auditable communication record.
• To ensure Teacher accountability and safeguard both parties.
• To comply with UAE child protection regulations and community standards.

Reporting a Violation

Report violations immediately via the in-app 'Report' function or by emailing info@tutorlink.ae. TutorLink will investigate all reports within 5 working days and will take appropriate action up to and including permanent suspension.

5 Student & Parent/Guardian Obligations

Student Conduct

• Students must treat Teachers with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Students must attend booked Sessions on time or cancel with adequate notice.
• Students must not record Sessions without the Teacher's prior consent.
• Students must not share a Teacher's profile content, session materials, or personal details without the Teacher's consent.
• Students must not attempt to circumvent the Platform by arranging Sessions or payments directly with Teachers outside the Platform listing.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• Parents/Guardians who register on behalf of a minor accept full legal responsibility for that minor's conduct on the Platform.
• Parents/Guardians must supervise all offline Sessions and ensure Sessions take place in safe, appropriate settings.
• Parents/Guardians should review in-app message logs periodically and report any concerning communication.
• Parents/Guardians must not share their own or their child's personal contact details with Teachers outside the Platform.

6 Payment & Fee Arrangements

Direct Payment Arrangements

Because TutorLink is a listing platform, all matters relating to session fees are agreed and settled directly between the Teacher and the Student or Parent/Guardian. This includes:

• Agreeing a session rate before any Session begins.
• Choosing a payment method that is mutually acceptable to both parties.
• Handling all invoicing, receipts, and payment records between themselves.
• Resolving any payment disputes directly between the parties concerned.

TutorLink's Role

• TutorLink provides the platform for Teachers to list their services and for Students and Parents/Guardians to discover and contact Teachers.
• TutorLink does not guarantee payment, verify payment, or intervene in payment disputes.
• TutorLink is not responsible for any loss arising from a payment arrangement made between a Teacher and a Student or Parent/Guardian.

Transparency & Good Practice

• Teachers are strongly encouraged to agree and confirm their session rates in writing via Platform messaging before any Session takes place.
• Students and Parents/Guardians are encouraged to confirm all fee arrangements in Platform messages before the first Session.
• Keeping a clear written record via Platform messaging provides both parties with documentation in the event of any dispute.

7 Offline (In-Person) Sessions

• Offline Sessions arranged through TutorLink must be agreed using Platform messaging so that a record exists.
• Sessions involving minor Students must take place in a public venue, the Student's home (with a Parent/Guardian present), or the Teacher's official tutoring centre — never in private, unmonitored spaces.
• TutorLink's map-based location feature is provided for convenience. Accuracy of location data is the responsibility of the Teacher.
• TutorLink is not liable for any incident occurring during an offline Session but will cooperate fully with any UAE authority investigation.
• Teachers are advised to carry their Emirates ID to all in-person Sessions.

8 Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Because TutorLink does not process payments, any cancellation or no-show arrangements are agreed directly between the Teacher and the Student or Parent/Guardian. TutorLink recommends that both parties agree a clear cancellation policy in writing via Platform messaging before the first Session. The following guidelines reflect good practice:

The following conduct rules apply to all users:

• Three Teacher cancellations within 30 days may trigger a review of the Teacher's listing status on the Platform.
• Repeated Student no-shows reported by Teachers may result in a review of the Student's account.

9 Intellectual Property & Content

• Session materials shared by Teachers with Students remain the intellectual property of the Teacher.
• Students must not copy, distribute, or publish Teacher-provided materials without the Teacher's written consent.
• TutorLink owns all Platform design, branding, and software. You may not reproduce or adapt any part of the Platform without written permission.

10 Privacy & Data Protection

• TutorLink processes personal data in accordance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) and Cabinet Decision No. 33 of 2024 (Executive Regulation).
• User data is stored on UAE-based servers and is not transferred internationally without user consent.
• TutorLink uses data only to operate the Platform and improve user experience.
• Users may request a copy of their data or request deletion by emailing info@tutorlink.ae.
• Communications on Platform Channels may be reviewed by TutorLink's Trust & Safety team for safeguarding purposes.

11 Reviews & Ratings

• Students may leave a review after each completed Session. Reviews must be honest and based on direct experience.
• Reviews must not contain personal attacks, discriminatory language, or false factual claims.
• Teachers may respond to reviews through the Platform but may not offer incentives to remove or change a review.
• TutorLink may remove reviews that violate these Terms but will not remove negative reviews solely because a Teacher objects.

12 Limitation of Liability

• TutorLink is a listing and introduction platform and is not responsible for the quality, accuracy, outcomes, or safety of tutoring services delivered by Teachers.
• TutorLink is not responsible for any payment dispute, financial loss, or failure to pay arising from arrangements made directly between Teachers and Students or Parents/Guardians.
• TutorLink's total liability for any claim arising under these Terms is limited to the subscription or listing fees (if any) paid by the claimant to TutorLink in the 30 days preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
• TutorLink is not liable for loss of data, business interruption, or consequential damages arising from Platform use.
• Nothing in these Terms limits liability for death, personal injury, or fraud.

13 Account Suspension & Termination

• TutorLink may suspend or terminate any account at any time for breach of these Terms, including the Communication Policy under Clause 4.
• Users may delete their account at any time through account settings.
• Upon termination, any TutorLink-held listing credits or subscription fees paid in advance will be refunded on a pro-rata basis where applicable.
• TutorLink does not hold user funds and therefore has no earnings to withhold or release upon account termination.

14 Governing Law & Disputes

• These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
• Any dispute arising from these Terms will first be referred to TutorLink's internal resolution process (response within 10 working days).
• Unresolved disputes will be referred to the competent courts of Dubai, UAE.
• Payment disputes between Teachers and Students or Parents/Guardians are civil matters between those parties and are not subject to TutorLink's internal resolution process.

15 Amendments to These Terms

• TutorLink may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email and in-app notification at least 14 days before they take effect.
• Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of updated Terms constitutes acceptance.